[2022] Speaking out on the stigma of mental health
[2022] Speaking out on the stigma of mental health
The Wounded Healer also traces Hankir’s recovery journey. “Speaking out on stigma helps to reduce it,” he explained. More than 100,000 people in 20 countries have heard him speak. In recognition of his work, Hankir received the 2022 World Health Organization Director-General Award for Global Health, among other awards.
He welcomes WHO’s Quality Rights Initiative, which takes an approach to mental health grounded on a human rights framework that empowers, dignifies and humanizes people with mental health conditions.
“Our human rights are being violated, regardless of time and place – high income country, low income country. Too many people feel like they have been brutalized,” he said. “When care is available, there are also concerns about the quality of care.”